Avoid Neck and Back Pain

Chronic Pain Relief

There are different levels of pain that people experience. The first is acute pain which is the type that occurs in a matter of days or weeks. The second level of pain is known as subacute and it lasts about six to twelve weeks at most. The highest level is known as chronic pain and it lasts more than twelve weeks. Each of these levels is treated differently. For chronic pain, the following options are considered:

Over the Counter Medications

Some people treat pain with painkillers no matter how bad the pain is. Over the counter painkillers such as aspirin actually work depending on the amount of pain and how resistant the body is to medication. People who have taken over the counter painkillers at every turn might eventually get a higher tolerance so that the medication does not have any effect in smaller doses.

Opioids

Opioids such as Hydrocodone, Methadone, Oxycodone and Fentanyl are effective pain relievers. However, they are only used for chronic pain. People who have undergone surgery or life-changing injuries might get these prescribed by a doctor. However, this medication has side effects. You can experience any of the following:

Constipation

Vomiting

Nausea

Drowsiness

Confusion

These side effects can be experienced by different people. However, the hardest of them all is addiction. Opioids help to relieve pain but they also have the ‘feel good’ effect which is easy to get used to. This is the main reason why doctors are hesitant to prescribe this medication to patients, especially over a long period of time. Additionally, opioids can lead to mistaken overdoses which can be fatal. When consumed with alcohol and drugs, this medication can cause you to stop breathing and die.

It is always important to know the benefits as well as the side effects of various drugs before you start using them. You might get opioids for pain relief but end up addicted, which is an even bigger problem.

Pain Relief Injections

For severe pain, there are injections that can be administered. These injections are directed at the exact place where the pain is. This helps the medication get to the area faster. The effects may not last that long. They can last hours or days, depending on the dose that is administered. There are also some medications that you can check in websites in Baltimore City that you can easily purchase.

Some examples of these shots are epidurals or trigger point injections. Some of the effects can last weeks.

Pain Relief Pump

This is similar to injections because of the fact that it is an invasive treatment. For pumps, doctors put a pump at the base of the spine. It is then programmed to release medication into the body periodically. This helps to ease chronic pain, especially for those who experience intense pain on their arms and legs.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

If the pain is extreme, the doctor may end up administering Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). This is common with people who suffer from arthritis and other intense and chronic pain. The process involves sending some electric current through your body to deaden the nerves. Without active nerves, the pain signal cannot be sent to the brain. RFA has effects that last up to twelve months after which you have to go back in for similar treatment.

Alternative Pain Relievers

Sometimes, the relief for your pain is not always found in a pain pill or an injection. There are alternative means of alleviating pain that work just as well. For example, people use yoga, stretching, acupuncture and massage to get rid of pain. Acupuncture places needles in certain parts of the body to relieve pain. It works for arthritis. Massage and yoga also relieve pain but the effects are often short-lived. They last for days at most and a few hours at least.

The Source of Pain

Before you jump into pain relief, you should see a medical specialist. Get to the root of your pain. This way, you will be able to deal with the source of the pain and put an end to it. You might be able to get rid of the chronic pain through any one or a combination of these methods but end up hiding a bigger underlying issue which is the cause of the pain. This is not beneficial and it could even be dangerous.

Conclusion

Chronic pain relief comes in many forms. It is best to have a doctor advise you on the best course of action. In addition to this, it is important to let your doctor know every type of medication that you might be taking at the point of seeking treatment.